Overview & Reviews

For now, Isuzu SUVs and trucks are all that you'll see at your local Isuzu dealer; it's been quite a few years since there's been an Isuzu car. The company's specialized lineup is more a function of circumstance than choice. In recent years, Isuzu has seen its share of hard times; a lack of funding for both new product investment and marketing has forced the company to rely heavily on its partnership with GM. Both of the models in its line are derived from existing GM products.

Isuzu, which means "50 bells," is the name of a river that flows through a province dotted with ancient Shinto shrines in Japan. The company's roots date back to 1916, when Tokyo Ishikawajima Shipbuilding and Engineering Company first decided to broaden its business to include automobile manufacturing. The company forged a technical union with the U.K.-based Wolseley Motor Company in 1918. Its debut licensed offering, the A9 car, soon followed, as did its first truck, the CP. By 1949, the company's name had been changed to the more succinct Isuzu.

In the postwar years, production of Isuzu trucks boomed. The company's vehicles played a significant role in Japan's reconstruction effort, and were used to ferry clothes, food and other essentials. In 1953, Isuzu rolled out the Hillman Minx passenger car, the product of a technical union with Rootes, a U.K. outfit.

The 1960s saw the launch of passenger cars like the Florian, the Bellett and the 117 Coupe, as well as trucks like the WASP. In 1971, Isuzu entered into a partnership with General Motors. The Gemini, released a couple of years later, was the first Isuzu vehicle to be produced from the pairing.

By the 1980s, Isuzu had landed on American shores. The Pup was the first Isuzu sold in the U.S. market. The Trooper, an SUV available in two- or four-door form, was introduced in 1983 and quickly became popular in that new market segment. The company entered into a joint venture with Subaru in 1987, a union that spawned the Isuzu Rodeo and the Isuzu Pickup. Less popular than the trucks were the cars, such as the dated I-Mark sedan and the handsome, Italian-designed Impulse sport coupe.

The company's sales were relatively strong in the 1990s, thanks in part to the increasing success of the Trooper, which by that time had grown in size and luxury. The Trooper was one of the models responsible for the massive popularity of the SUV vehicle category during that decade. In 1999, GM upped its stake in Isuzu to assume the role of majority shareholder.

The new millennium brought bad news, however. Previous bestsellers like the Rodeo and the Trooper were outclassed by newer, fresher competition, and sales plummeted. The Rodeo and the Axiom (a crossover SUV) were dropped from the lineup in 2004. Currently, Isuzu's lineup comprises just two vehicles — a truck and an SUV, both of which are based on GM products.

User Reviews:

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  Thought it would be a good SUV but.... - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo Sport
  By al2113 - April 15 - 4:16 am

  I really liked it at first. The first and second gear ratios are awefull. You just cant get through them without jerking the car around. Its so cheaply built. I did have fun with it, although it was way underpowered ( I thought I was gonna die going up huge hills.) But then When i was trying to switch lane (with those horrible blind spots) it took me a little too long to make sure it was clear and I ended up REAR ENDING A CAR! THEN THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE INSTANTLY AND INCINERATED EVERYTHING WITHIN MINUTES AS IF SOMEONE USED A FLAMETHROWER ON IT FOR 15 MINUTES STRAIGHT. I dont even know what to think of this vehicle.

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  Disappointed - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By kc - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Seems to wear a lot worse than other vehicles Ive owned, at only 30,000 I had to replace the fuel sending unit as well as a number of lesser items to the tune of $700... replacement parts are much more expensive than similar vehicles and it seems to need to go into the shop for a few hundred dollars worth of work every few months... parts take longer than average to be obtained as well. We wont be keeping it long.

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  Was a good starter SUV - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By B Morris - March 26 - 5:33 am

  Overall, I would say I am happy with my purchase. I bought it new in 99 and although the manifold cracked and muffler broke off (under warranty) and had a few recalls, the vehicle has been very reliable. Especially when I replaced the stock Goodyear tires. It was a deathtrap when it rained. Unfortunately, I have 81K miles and I am afraid its nearing the end. Gas millage is going south, gas gauge is on its way out, seat is breaking down, oil burning, and it was not designed for desert heat. I had some rubber pieces melt and/or break in the last year. The service guy told me years ago not to keep it over 60K miles, and I see why. Overall, it has served me well, but not built to last a long time.

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  Reliable but VERY ROUGH RIDING - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Bethlehem - PA - December 18 - 12:50 pm

  Purchased car used. Engine is very reliable over the years. Major problem with the axle (breather tube) over heats. Replaced twice. Isuzu was aware of these problems with their car. With exception of axle problems, just normal wear and tear maintenance performed over the years. Mileage never reach potential as I would only get 14 to 20 miles/gal.

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  2000 Rodeo - 2000 Isuzu Rodeo
  By timmy - November 30 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle looses about one quart of oil every 500-1000 miles and all the mechanics Ive talked to say this is normal. So if you dont feel like counting miles to change oil, this is not the car for you.

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  Take out a 2nd mortgage on your home! - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Robyn&Chris - October 5 - 10:00 am

  $1,200 THIS MONTH in repairs not incl $320 to replace fuel gasket they claim needs to be replaced. Gets more expensive the higher your mileage. Nothing falls under warranty; customer svc non-existent. Once vehicle hits 50,000 miles, get out your checkbook. Check engine light on, transmission jerking, erratic/rough shifting. In shop 4 days, no loan car. $300 that trip. Engine light on again in 2 days, another $400 & 2 days in shop. This time svc dept had to call Isuzu to figure out all the error codes. 2 days later car wont start; $520 for alternator! Ridiculous parts prices. Bought new in 99 with ext.warranty; runs like a 20-yr old clunker.

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  WARNING - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By Sean - September 30 - 1:36 pm

  I loved my Trooper. I drove it often and drove it hard. I would have been the first person to recommend this vehicle. However, following a recent accident - I will be the first to warn anyone about it. My wife went into a ditch at low speed and rolled the Trooper. It totaled the vehicle, with the worst damage immediately over the drivers seat. It was by pure divine providence that she wasnt injured.

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  Get the Trooper - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By rlfuzz - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I traded a completely reliable 1994 Trooper for a 1999 LS 4WD Rodeo. BIG Mistake. This thing has a problem every other month. Brakes, ABS Unit, Transmission, more squeaks and rattles than a covered wagon. I will be happy to give it back to Isuzu when my lease is up. I hate that the Trooper replacement is on a GM platform!

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  Buy a Nissan Pathfinder - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By unhappyrodeoowner - August 28 - 2:00 am

  I have had problems with this truck...hard to align...the ABS senor had to be replaced...the suspension is too bouncy...gas mileage ranges between 16 to 18 mpg

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  Extremely Disappointed - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Disgusted at Isuzu - April 11 - 10:00 am

  I guess theres a reason why they say you get what you pay for. However, by buying the higher end model of this vehicle, I expected to get more. Ive had numerous troubles with this SUV including noisy brake system, whining in the engine, flutter noises in the tired, hesitation starting and a bad odor coming from the vents....just to name a few.